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Summary
Laboratory tests check a sample of your blood, urine, or body tissues. A technician or your doctor analyzes the test samples to see if your results fall within the normal range. The tests use a range because what is normal differs from person to person. Many factors affect test results. These include
- Your sex, age and race
- What you eat and drink
- Medicines you take
- How well you followed pre-test instructions
Your doctor may also compare your results to results from previous tests. Laboratory tests are often part of a routine checkup to look for changes in your health. They also help doctors diagnose medical conditions, plan or evaluate treatments, and monitor diseases.
- Directory of Medical Tests (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Laboratory Tests (Food and Drug Administration)
-
Understanding Laboratory Tests
(National Cancer Institute)
Also in Spanish
- Understanding Your Tests (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Latest News
- 1st HPV Test for Use with Preservative Fluid (07/08/2016, HealthDay)
- Researchers Get Closer to Test Predicting Colon Cancer's Return (07/07/2016, HealthDay)
- Can an Antibiotic Help You? Quick Test Might Someday Tell (07/06/2016, HealthDay)
Related Issues
- Collecting Samples for Testing (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Deciphering Your Lab Report (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Helping You Identify Quality Laboratory Services (Joint Commission) - PDF
- How Reliable Is Laboratory Testing? (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- How You Can Get the Best Results with Home Use Tests (Food and Drug Administration)
- Putting New Laboratory Tests Into Practice (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Reference Ranges & What They Mean (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Test Preparation: Your Role (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Tips on Blood Testing (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
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What Do Blood Tests Show? (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
- Where Lab Tests Are Performed (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- With Home Testing, Consumers Take Charge of Their Health (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Specifics
- Blood Culture Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Chloride Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Electrolytes Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Home Use Tests (Food and Drug Administration)
- Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
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MedlinePlus: A1C (National Library of Medicine)
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MedlinePlus: Blood Count Tests (National Library of Medicine)
Also in Spanish
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MedlinePlus: Creatinine
Also in Spanish
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MedlinePlus: Liver Function Tests (National Library of Medicine)
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MedlinePlus: Metabolic Panel (National Library of Medicine)
Also in Spanish
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MedlinePlus: Urinalysis (National Library of Medicine)
Also in Spanish
- Potassium Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Sodium Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- Stool Tests (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Venous Sampling (Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology)
- World of Forensic Laboratory Testing (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Videos and Tutorials
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Getting a Urine Test (For Kids)
(Nemours Foundation)
Also in Spanish
Journal ArticlesReferences and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Reference Desk
- Glossary (Food and Drug Administration)
- Index of Glossary Terms (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Find an Expert
- Accredited Laboratory Directory (College of American Pathologists)
Children
- Basic Blood Tests (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation) Also in Spanish
- Blood Culture (For Parents) (Nemours Foundation)
- Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Seniors
- Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
